I really liked this series. Maybe even loved. In fact, when I read the last chapter, ch. 36, my heart felt somewhat heavy. So far, I've only read rather comedic yuri manga, like Sasameki Koto or Candy Boy. This is the first yuri manga that I've read that is almost completely serious with very little humor. I like how the relationship in this manga has a tad bit of mystery, not knowing what the characters are thinking at times, and how it is pretty realistic apart from a few of the overdone scenarios. Some questions were also left unanswered by the end, but I was still satisfied. The characters are likeable, Setsuko being my favorite. Their actions and thoughts are realistic. (REALISM IS IMPORTANT IN 'SLICE OF LIFE' MANGA.) Their personalities are enjoyable, and the character develpoment is excellent. The story and plot overall is quite unique and good. This series explores common confusions of lesbians and the issues they can face in society.

Another thing I liked about this manga is the art. The lines are smooth and clean, and the illustrations are simple. The style is appropriate for a 'slice of life' manga.

I'll definately remember this series.

... Last updated on April 11th, 2011, 5:42pm

This is my favorite yuri that I've read so far. I don't like the usual yuri that much because it either tries to be too cutesy or too sexy. I love that it was a realistic depiction of a girl growing up and coming to understand herself and her relationships. In general I like stories that allow you to see character growth. I've always been wanting to find a yuri that tries to be realistic and relatable and this one does that

I haven't read many yuri manga, or many manga at all, with a real sense of what life is like. This series doesn't hold punches, and while it addresses realistic hurdles in a relationship, it doesn't do it with the over-dramatism that is often associated with romance stories or usually shoujo (not all).

What I appreciate most about this series is the overall growth of the main character. While real life doesn't go as (relatively) smoothly in someone's personal growth as did Yukino's, it was realistic and believable.

If you want to read a manga about BA's doing awesome s*** you should read a shonen manga or something. If you want to read about a main character that you like and you can relate to and that they do what you want them to do and feel all happy inside you should read something else. This story is about a girl who was chewed up and spit out by life in her teenage years and has nothing to be proud of. Her chance meeting with another girl and the events that play around their romance is an interesting experience and you get to watch her make more mistakes and mature. And to those who said that she didn't mature you were more worried about the fact that it was a manga that you didn't like with a main character you didn't like to even observe the massive amounts of character development that happened. If you are mad that the main character didn't change into a BA at the end you should not read this type of manga.

As much as I love to rant I really enjoyed this story. I thought it was very realistic and I was happy to see at the end Anyways for you that don't want to read spoilers just remember what I said at the beginning. If you want to read a story about optomistic BA's who can do anything, and the mistakes that they make are superficial, don't read this story.

... Last updated on August 19th, 2011, 11:39am

...but it's still a bit early to tell. I'm always wary about all things yuri found in seinen mags. It seems more a rule than an exception that that particular combo must lead to completely lame pandering to slobbering hordes of boys who just want girl on girl action. (Not that there's anything inherently wrong with that kind of action, as long as it's not merely a substitute for actual story and believable characters ;)

This may be a bit unfair on Octave, though, things are looking up so far. But, again, it's too early to really say.

Whether or not you like this series depends on your tastes, I happened to enjoy reading it, but I'm sure (as can be seen from the other comments) that there are plenty of people who won't enjoy it. The manga revolves a lot around the growth of the protagonist as she matures and tries to deal with her own insecurities while also trying to figure out what it is that she wants out of life (since her dreams of being an idol are now dead). I would say that this manga's a bit different from other yuri mangas (at least the ones i've read so far) in that it delves more deeply into the main character's orientation and the issues that result from her confusion, uncertainty, and curiosity in that regard. It's a serious manga, there's very little humor, if any. I found myself confused at times because it wasn't clear what's motivating characters to act the way they do until things get explained later down the line. But then again, people rarely fully understand their own actions, and that's just another thing that I think makes this manga a bit unique, as the reader is left wondering what the characters are thinking at times. Personally, it annoyed me a bit while I was reading it, but looking back now, I actually appreciate that aspect of the manga not only because it's unique but also because it's more of a reflection of real life, where you're left guessing what other people are thinking (though the manga doesn't leave you completely in the dark). Oh yeah, just a note, currently, CH34 is the most recent release (a little bit of a spoiler ahead). From what's happened so far, this manga is also unique in that everybody doesn't just accept the lesbian couple, an issue that would most certainly arise in real life, although I'm disappointed by the fact that, as of yet, the parents aren't aware of it (I've only read a couple of manga where the parental issue is actually dealt with in some way, shape or form, and even then, i've never read one where it's fully dealt with), although there's still that possibility since the manga's still ongoing.

Perhaps my only true criticism is that it's a bit too drama-oriented, in that it tries too hard to create issues, and at times it comes across as forced. Yes, Yukino and Setsuko are a bit insecure in their relationship, but I don't think that means that they're going to fight or get jealous anytime one of them spends time with someone else. Or how (slight spoiler, I suppose) people with feelings for Yukino just suddenly start popping up out of the ground.

... Last updated on January 30th, 2011, 10:30pm

It's a usual type of romance, where the protagonist has many emotional weaknesses, and a more confident woman takes an interest in her and shows her how to overcome them. But it's not trivial; the characters and narrative are more complex than I've seen before in this type of romance.

I don't know how far into the romance the story will take us, and at v1c6 the story is still being carried by the protagonist's growth. Still, it's really well-done. If you can make it past chapter one, which is a little bit slow and builds the story upon a few cliches, you should definitely be able to see for yourself..

The first time I read through it I found the main character unbearable. The second time I read through it I still found her irritating at parts but I was able to really dwell on what was happening and absorb Yukino's feelings. This manga definitely takes a moment to make you adjust yourself to see just how realistic it is when it comes to a person's THOUGHTS and thought process. The author takes you deep into the mind of Yukino, who is unsure of anything, and walks you through each little idea that passes through her mind - revealing everything she's thinking even when those thoughts may be disturbing or annoying at times. But that's where the realism really shines. If we were to pry into our own minds and someone were to document each of our thoughts then there would be some things we'd definitely regret thinking. All in all this romance for me can be seen as the dynamic between a girl who can't make up her mind and a woman who's mind barely ventures outside the realm of "here and now" what's "too much trouble" and what you want at your very core. In the end this is a manga that takes a bit of patience and maturity as it questions the confusing themes of love, sex, and dreams.

Tl;dr I recommend this for the patient and mature readers, you can appreciate it only if you go into it knowing you won't be proud of the main character 100% of the time.

... Last updated on July 10th, 2012, 4:37pm

some very harsh criticism on this board, and in my opinion it doesn't do the series justice.

It is what it is, a DRAMA yuri oriented manga. It focuses alot on the characters personal growth and problems they faces as young adults, and to be honest I don't see how is this series is cliche, since apparently the manga targeting at young adults and their sex lives are just so ramparts these days right? /sarcasm

It is worth reading, even just for the characters developments. Check it yourself

... Last updated on August 25th, 2010, 3:11am

It's great. Realistic. Like there are actually guys in the story. Although you may find Yukino kind of pissing at some parts, you can really relate to her problems. Or at least I did.

Only complaint is that the ending was somewhat boring compared to the rest of it.

... Last updated on October 25th, 2011, 1:57am